Safe Work Procedure: Silica Dust Control

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary steps and precautions to control and minimize occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica. It applies to all workplaces and operations where employees may be exposed to silica dust, including but not limited to construction, demolition, abrasive blasting, and manufacturing activities [1]. This procedure aims to ensure that employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica is maintained at or below the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL).

2. Definitions

Action Level: A concentration of airborne respirable crystalline silica of 25 μg/m 3, calculated as an 8-hour Time-Weighted Average (TWA) [1].

Competent Person: An individual who is capable of identifying existing and foreseeable respirable crystalline silica hazards in the workplace and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate or minimize them [1]. For construction activities or when using specific exposure control methods, a competent person must ensure written procedures are followed [2].

Employee Exposure: The exposure to airborne respirable crystalline silica that would occur if the employee were not using a respirator [1].

PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit): The maximum legal limit for exposure to respirable crystalline silica over an 8-hour workday.

Respirable Crystalline Silica: Crystalline silica particles that are small enough to enter the gas-exchange regions of the lungs if inhaled [1].

Objective data means information, such as air monitoring data from industrywide surveys or calculations based on the composition of a substance, demonstrating employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica associated with a particular product or material or a specific process, task, or activity [1].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure workers are adequately trained on this SWP and the hazards of silica dust [3].
• Provide appropriate engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection to limit employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica 1, 3.
• Designate a competent person to conduct regular inspections of job sites, materials, and equipment to implement the written exposure control plan 1, 4.
• Make the written exposure control plan readily available to employees [4].

3.2 Workers

• Follow the procedures outlined in this SWP and all safety instructions provided by the supervisor [3].
• Use all required PPE, including respiratory protection, as instructed [3].
• Participate in training programs related to silica exposure and control [3].
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of the written exposure control plan 1, 3.
• Monitor the effectiveness of the control measures and make recommendations for improvement.
• Facilitate communication and training related to silica hazards and control measures.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica	Silicosis, lung cancer, COPD, kidney disease, immune system effects 3, 7, 16	Implement engineering controls, use wet methods, provide respiratory protection, limit exposure duration 1, 2, 15
Dry sweeping or dry brushing	Increased airborne silica dust	Use wet sweeping, HEPA-filtered vacuuming, or other methods that minimize exposure [5]
Use of compressed air for cleaning	Increased airborne silica dust	Use compressed air in conjunction with ventilation systems or use alternative methods [5]
Abrasive blasting with silica-containing materials	High exposure to respirable crystalline silica	Use alternative blasting agents, implement ventilation controls, provide appropriate respiratory protection [4]

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use the appropriate PPE to minimize exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

• Respirator: Required when engineering and work practice controls are not sufficient to reduce exposure to or below the PEL 1, 15. Select appropriate respirator based on exposure levels and in accordance with a respiratory protection program [5].
• Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles to prevent eye irritation from dust and debris.
• Protective Clothing: Coveralls or disposable suits to prevent skin contact with silica-containing dust.
• Gloves: To prevent skin contact and irritation.
• Hearing Protection: If the task generates high noise levels.

Inspect PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Ensure respirators are properly fit-tested and maintained [5].

6. Equipment and Tools

Use the correct equipment and tools for the task to minimize dust generation and exposure.

• HEPA-Filtered Vacuum: For cleaning surfaces and clothing to minimize dust dispersion [5].
• Wet Cutting Saws: Use saws with integrated water delivery systems to suppress dust during cutting operations [6].
• Ventilation Systems: Local exhaust ventilation to capture dust at the source [5].
• Enclosed Cabs/Booths: Use enclosed cabs or booths with positive pressure and filtered air supply for tasks with high dust generation [6].
• Water Sprayers/Hoses: For wetting down surfaces and materials to prevent dust from becoming airborne [6].

Inspect equipment and tools before each use for proper functioning. Maintain equipment according to manufacturer's instructions.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

• Workers must complete training on the hazards of respirable crystalline silica, control methods, and proper use of PPE [3].
• Supervisors must be trained to recognize silica hazards and implement control measures effectively [3].
• A competent person must be designated to oversee the implementation of the exposure control plan and conduct regular inspections 1, 4.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

• Conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss the tasks, hazards, and control measures [3].
• Review the SWP and ensure all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.
• Identify potential sources of silica exposure and discuss methods to minimize exposure.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Establish regulated areas where exposures are expected to exceed the PEL [7].
• Demarcate regulated areas with signs to limit access to authorized personnel [7].
• Implement engineering controls such as ventilation and wet methods to reduce dust levels 1, 2.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Exposure Assessment

Assess employee exposure to respirable crystalline silica to determine appropriate control measures 1, 12.

• Review task to identify potential silica exposure.
• Use objective data if available to estimate exposure levels [1].
• Conduct air monitoring if necessary to determine actual exposure levels 10, 12.

Safety considerations: Ensure proper sampling methods are used and samples are analyzed by a qualified laboratory [8].

Step 2: Implement Engineering and Work Practice Controls

Use engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain employee exposure to or below the PEL [2].

• Use wet methods to suppress dust during cutting, grinding, and drilling operations [6].
• Implement local exhaust ventilation to capture dust at the source [5].
• Use enclosed cabs or booths with filtered air supply for tasks with high dust generation [6].

Safety considerations: Ensure engineering controls are properly maintained and used correctly [6].

Step 3: Respiratory Protection

Provide and ensure the use of appropriate respiratory protection when engineering and work practice controls are not sufficient 1, 15.

• Select respirators based on exposure levels and in accordance with a respiratory protection program [5].
• Ensure respirators are properly fit-tested, maintained, and used correctly [5].
• Provide training on the proper use, maintenance, and limitations of respirators [3].

Safety considerations: Ensure workers are medically cleared to wear respirators 7, 15.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Hygiene Practices: Prohibit eating, drinking, and smoking in areas where silica exposure may occur. Provide washing facilities and encourage frequent handwashing [3].
• Housekeeping: Use HEPA-filtered vacuums or wet methods for cleaning. Avoid dry sweeping or compressed air for cleaning unless no other method is feasible [5].
• Material Handling: Handle silica-containing materials in a manner that minimizes dust generation. Use enclosed containers or bags for transport and storage [5].
• Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to ensure it is functioning properly and not generating excessive dust [6].
• Medical Surveillance: Provide medical surveillance to employees exposed to respirable crystalline silica at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year 7, 15.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

• In case of a medical emergency, immediately provide first aid and seek medical attention.
• Evacuate the area if there is a significant release of silica dust.
• Report all incidents and near-misses to the supervisor.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen and seek medical attention.
• Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• [Emergency Contact 1] - [Phone Number]
• [Emergency Contact 2] - [Phone Number]
• [Emergency Contact 3] - [Phone Number]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately. Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

• Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)
• Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) (1910.1200) [3]
• 1910.134 Respiratory protection [5]

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Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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